Internalized homophobia? There’s an app for that

For now,* here’s the rub: Despite a published policy of blocking proposed iPhone apps that are “defamatory, offensive, mean-spirited, or likely to place the targeted individual or group in harm’s way” or that “contain false, fraudulent or misleading representations,” Apple is allowing an ex-gay app to remain for sale in its apps store. (H/T Wonk Room)

Ex-gay ministries have been consistently proven to bring harm, both psychic and physical, to their participants; they’ve also been shown again and again and again not to successfully turn gay into straight. Both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association say that there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that therapeutic efforts to change one’s sexual orientation are effective or necessary.

Even so, the app, which contains podcasts, event listings and the like produced by Exodus International (“the worlds largest ministry to individuals and families impacted by homosexuality”), gets a 4+ rating, indicated that Apple finds that it contains “no objectionable material.” This is especially shocking for a company based in the Bay Area that markets its products to young, creative people. (Let’s put it this way, if GLBT people stopped buying Apple products, the company would certainly feel it.)

Last summer, Apple removed a similar anti-gay app. The group Truth Wins Out has launched a petition and YouTube video calling for Apple to put that kibosh on the app.

*UPDATE, 8:22 p.m.: We’ve re-friended Steve Jobs on Facebook because the app has been pulled!